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Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–3
Owner’s Manual
Operating Instructions
GCG1500
GCG1580
GCG1700
Compacting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Removing a Full Trash Bag . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Trash Bag Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Using the Trash Compactor . . . . . . . . .5–6
Care and Cleaning
Cleaning the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
Product Registration
for Customers in Canada . . . . . . . . 11, 12
Product Registration
for Customers in the U.S.A. . . . . . . . . 9, 10
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model # ______________
Serial # ______________
You can find them on the label
on the front of the frame.
165D4700P330 49-55010 11-05 JR
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ELECTRICAL SAFETY
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
I To prevent hazard of electrical shock,
this compactor must be properly installed
and grounded in accordance with the
Installation Instructions before it is used.
I We recommend that a separate circuit
serving only this appliance be provided.
I Do not, under any circumstances, cut or
remove the third grounding prong from the
power cord.
I Do not operate with a damaged cord set,
plug, motor, or after damage in any manner.
Have the appliance examined, repaired, or
adjusted by an authorized service
technician.
I This appliance must be grounded. In
the event of a malfunction or breakdown,
grounding will reduce the risk of electric
shock by providing a path of least resistance
for electric current.
I Do not take apart this appliance. Incorrect
reassembly can cause electric shock when
subsequently used.
I
This appliance is equipped with a cord
having an equipment grounding conductor
and a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that
is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with local codes and ordinances.
I Unplug the compactor before making any
repairs. NOTE: We strongly recommend that
any servicing be performed by a qualified
person.
I Do not use an adapter plug or an extension
WARNING: Improper connection of the
cord with this appliance.
equipment grounding conductor can result in
a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified
electrician if you are in doubt as to whether
the appliance is properly grounded.
I Follow National Electric Codes or prevailing
local codes and ordinances. This appliance
must be supplied with 120V, 60Hz and
connected to an individual, properly
I Do not modify the plug with this appliance.
If it will not fit the outlet installed, have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.
grounded branch circuit protected by a 15
or 20 amp circuit breaker or time delay fuse.
I If the electric supply provided does not
meet the above requirements, call a licensed
electrician.
PROPER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
This compactor must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation
Instructions before it is used. If you did not receive an Installation Instructions sheet, you can receive
one by visiting ge.com, or by calling 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) in the United States. In Canada, visit
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3
About the trash compactor.
Features
DRAWER HANDLE
DRAWER SAFETY SWITCH
DOOR PANEL
MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER LABEL
BAG RETAINER BUTTONS
FOOT PEDAL DRAWER OPENER AND
COMPACTOR ACTIVATION
MOVEABLE SIDE DOOR LATCH
TOE KICK
ON/OFF KNOB
4
Using the trash compactor.
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What It Does and How It Works
Your compactor reduces household trash to as little as one-fourth of its original volume.
It compacts most refuse, including paper, cans, bottles, jars, plastic containers, wrappings,
sweepings and some food wastes.
Drop trash into the disposable bag (designed for compactor use) that lines the compactor
trash drawer and close the drawer. When you start the compactor, an electrically-operated
ram moves down into the drawer, compacts trash, moves back up again—and the
compactor shuts off automatically.
NOTE: The trash drawer must be at least 1/2 full before you will notice compaction because
the ram does not travel all the way down into the drawer. By adding trash, compaction is
transferred to the items below until all trash is compacted.
ON/OFF Knob
The removable knob is provided for your
protection as a safety measure. When the
knob switch is in the OFF position, the
compactor will not operate.
Child Lockout Instructions:
Lock the compactor when it is not in
use, by removing the knob. This will keep
children from operating the compactor
and prevent anyone from tampering
with it.
Drawer Safety Switch
The compactor has two safety switches to ensure that the drawer is in its fully closed
position for operation. The compactor will not cycle without the drawer being fully closed.
Trash Bag Installation
Before installing a new bag, be sure that:
To install a new bag:
The drawer side is securely locked.
Place the bag into the drawer. Open
1
1
the bag and pull the top edges over
The container is clean and free of sharp
debris that may puncture the bag.
Reinforced plastic bags came with your
compactor and are ready to be installed.
You must use the specially designed
heavy-duty trash bags included with your
compactor. These bags are available from
your dealer or Factory Service Center. Ask
for catalog number WC60X5017. If you
prefer, you can order by mail. A handy order
form is provided with your compactor and is
included in every replacement bag package.
2
the drawer top.
Lock the bag in place by pulling the
four prepunched holes over the bag
retainer buttons. Holes will expand over
the buttons without harming the bag.
2
Press inside of bag against the
3
drawer bottom, sides and corners
for a smooth fit.
Loading
Slightly lift and pull the compactor door
handle or press the foot pedal and pull the
drawer out.
I Folded newspaper is also helpful when
compacting a large glass bottle, or several
bottles or jars, or any other items that
might shatter.
Remember:
I Although it is not necessary to compact
until the drawer is full or nearly full, we
suggest that, for maximum compaction,
you start the compactor each time a
significant amount of trash is added.
I To help keep the ram clean when
compacting messy food waste, place a
couple of folded sheets of newspaper
on top of the load to be compacted.
I Items too bulky to go into the drawer
can be folded to fit. If it cannot be folded
to fit into the drawer, do not attempt to
force it in.
5
Using the trash compactor.
Compacting
is normal and in no way affects the
performance of the compactor. Keep
the bag away from your body to prevent
injury from sharp objects that may have
pierced the bag.
To start the compactor:
Turn the knob to ON.
1
2
3
Make sure the drawer is fully closed.
Lift the foot pedal up to start cycle.
CAUTION:
I Do not apply too much force when
turning the knob. The knob should
always rotate easily. Forcing may break
the knob and damage the switch.
I When emptying waste baskets into the
trash drawer, some items may spill into
the compactor behind the drawer. Items
behind the drawer could prevent it from
closing completely and prevent the
compactor from operating. To remove
such items from behind the drawer,
open the drawer and remove it to clean
them out. See the Care and Cleaning
section.
The ram travels downward into the
drawer, compacting the trash. At the
bottom of the stroke, the ram automatically
reverses direction, retracts out of the
drawer, returns to its starting position,
and the compactor shuts off automatically.
The cycle takes less than 30 seconds.
As the trash drawer fills with trash, cycle
time gets progressively shorter.
NOTES:
I You will not see compacting of trash the
first few times you load. The compactor
drawer should be about 1/2 full before
the compactor can begin to compress
the load.
I Glass bottles can make a loud noise when
they break during compaction. This is
normal. Also, bottles in the trash drawer
will not always break during the first
cycle. Breaking glass and associated noise
may occur several cycles later, depending
on the type and volume of the trash.
To stop the compactor:
The compactor may be stopped at any time.
Attempting to open the drawer while
1
the ram is moving will stop the ram.
The safety switch will activate.
Close the drawer completely and the
2
3
ram will travel back to the UP position.
Open the drawer fully and turn the
knob to OFF.
I When bottles and cans are compacted,
small tears in the bag may occur. This
Removing a Full Trash Bag
Pull the drawer completely open.
Lift the bag out.
Remove the top of the bag from the
bag retainer buttons. Pull up all four
bag cuffs.
Push the side-lock latch down and tilt
the drawer side open.
6
Care and cleaning of the compactor.
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As is true of most appliances, proper care is needed to give you continued satisfaction. Before cleaning the compactor,
turn the knob to the OFF position and remove it. If you will be away for more than a couple of days, remove the compactor
bag. Lock the compactor by removing the knob and store it in a safe place.
Cleaning the Unit
Wash with a damp cloth using warm,
soapy water. Rinse and then dry with a
soft cloth.
To clean the outside:
Wipe with a clean damp cloth.
Painted panels:
If the drawer side was removed, slide it
back into the tilted position.
Apply a coat of kitchen/appliance wax
when the compactor is new, and then
several times a year.
Press the side door latch down while
pressing the side to the upright
position. Lock the side door latch.
Stainless steel panels:
To clean the cabinet interior:
Stainless steel panels can be cleaned with
Cerama Bryte® or a similar product using a
clean, soft cloth.
Pull the drawer out until it stops.
Note the tracks in which the drawer
rollers move.
Cerama Bryte is available from GE Parts by
calling 800.626.2002 (U.S.) or 800.661.1616
(Canada).
Lift the front to clear the drawer stops.
Grab the drawer on both sides. Pull it
out the rest of the way and set it aside.
To clean the drawer interior:
Remove the bag. See page 6.
Wear protective gloves. There may be
bits of glass in the drawer. Press the
side door latch down.
Vacuum inside of the cabinet. Liquid
spills or wet trash should be cleaned
up by hand, or use a vacuum designed
to pick up liquid.
Hold the side door latch and tilt
the side of the drawer until the latch
clears the drawer front. The drawer
side can be removed by tilting and
sliding it out.
Wash, rinse and dry the inside.
7
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem
Possible Causes
What To Do
Compactor won’t operate Compactor is unplugged
•Make sure the cord is plugged securely into a
working outlet.
Circuit breaker/fuse is
tripped/blown
•Check house circuit breakers /fuses. Replace
fuses or reset breaker.
Knob switch may not be
in the ON position
•Make sure the switch is in the ON position.
•Foot pedal may not have been lifted up long enough to
start the compaction cycle.
Drawer may not be closed
•Check to make sure the drawer is firmly closed.
Compactor has an automatic
thermal motor reset
•If you have just compacted repeatedly, this protector
may have opened the motor circuit. Wait a few
minutes and the motor reset will reclose
automatically.
Drawer is hard
to close
Trash may have fallen
behind the drawer
•Remove any trash.
Drawer will not
open
The ram is not all the
way up
•Lift up on the foot pedal and release to allow ram to
complete a cycle.
Little or no apparent
compaction
Drawer is not full
enough
•The drawer must be at least 1/2 full of trash before
you will see any amount of compacting. The ram does
not travel all the way to the bottom. Trash in the bottom
of the drawer will be crushed during later cycles.
Trash is stuck between ram
and basket
•Remove any trash.
8
FOR CONSUMERS IN THE UNITED STATES
™
GE Service Protection Plus
GE, a name recognized worldwide for quality and dependability, offers you
™
Service Protection Plus —comprehensive protection on all your appliances—
No Matter What Brand!
Benefits Include:
• Backed by GE
• All brands covered
• Unlimited service calls
• All parts and labor costs included
• No out-of-pocket expenses
• No hidden deductibles
• One 800 number to call
We’ll Cover Any Appliance.
Anywhere. Anytime.*
You will be completely satisfied with our service protection or you may request your money back
on the remaining value of your contract. No questions asked. It’s that simple.
Protect your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, range, TV, VCR and much more—any brand!
Plus there’s no extra charge for emergency service and low monthly financing is available. Even icemaker
coverage and food spoilage protection is offered. You can rest easy, knowing that all your valuable
household products are protected against expensive repairs.
Place your confidence in GE and call us in the U.S. toll-free at 800.626.2224
for more information.
*All brands covered, up to 20 years old, in the continental U.S.
Cut here
✁
Please place in envelope and mail to:
General Electric Company
Warranty Registration Department
P.O. Box 32150
Louisville, KY 40232-2150
9
FOR CONSUMERS IN THE UNITED STATES
Consumer Product Ownership Registration
Dear Customer:
Thank you for purchasing our product and thank you for placing your confidence in us.
We are proud to have you as a customer!
Follow these three steps to protect your new appliance investment:
Complete and mail
your Consumer
After mailing the
registration below,
store this document
in a safe place. It
contains information
you will need should
you require service.
Our service number is
Read your Owner’s
Manual carefully.
It will help you
operate your new
appliance properly.
Product Ownership
Registration today.
Have the peace of
mind of knowing we
can contact you in
the unlikely event of
safety modification.
a
1
800.GE.CARES
2 3
(800.432.2737).
Model Number
Serial Number
Important: If you did not get a registration card with your
product, detach and return the form below to
ensure that your product is registered, or register
online at ge.com.
Cut here
✁
Consumer Product Ownership Registration
Model Number
Serial Number
Mr. I Ms. I
Mrs. I
Miss I
First
Name
Last
Name
Street
Address
Apt. #
City
E-mail Address*
Zip
Code
State
Date Placed
In Use
Month
Phone
Number
_
_
Day
Year
* Please provide your e-mail address to receive, via e-mail, discounts, special offers and other important
communications from GE Appliances (GEA).
GE Consumer & Industrial
Appliances
General Electric Company
Louisville, KY 40225
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I Check here if you do not want to receive communications from GEA’s carefully selected partners.
FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS CARD DOES NOT DIMINISH YOUR WARRANTY
RIGHTS.
For more information about GEA’s privacy and data usage policy, go to ge.com and click on
“Privacy Policy” or call 800.626.2224.
10
Please place in envelope and mail to:
Veuillez mettre dans une enveloppe et envoyez à :
OWNERSHIP REGISTRATION
P.O. BOX 1780
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
L4Y 4G1
(FOR CANADIAN CONSUMERS ONLY)
11
12
Notes.
13
Notes.
14
Trash Compactor Warranty.
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers,
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase
date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.
or an authorized Customer Care® technician. To schedule service,
on-line, 24 hours a day, visit us at ge.com, or call 800.GE.CARES
(800.432.2737) in the United States. In Canada, call 1.800.361.3400.
Please have serial number and model number available when
calling for service.
For The Period Of:
GE Will Replace:
One Year
From the date of the
original purchase
Any part of the compactor which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.
During this limited one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor
and in-home service to replace the defective part.
What GE Will Not Cover:
IService trips to your home to teach you how to use
the product.
IDamage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods
or acts of God.
IImproper installation, delivery or maintenance.
IIncidental or consequential damage caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
IFailure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for
other than the intended purpose or used commercially.
IDamage caused after delivery.
IReplacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
IProduct not accessible to provide required service.
breakers.
EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES—Your sole and exclusive remedy is product repair as provided in this
Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home
use within the USA. If the product is located in an area where service by a GE Authorized Servicer is not available,
you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the product to an Authorized GE Service
location for service. In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. To know what your
legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225
15
Consumer Support.
GE Appliances Website
In the U.S.: ge.com
Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day,
any day of the year! For greater convenience and faster service, you can now download Owner’s Manuals,
order parts, catalogs, or even schedule service on-line. You can also “Ask Our Team of Experts™” your questions,
and so much more... In Canada: www.GEAppliances.ca
Schedule Service
In the U.S.: ge.com
Expert GE repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and schedule your service at your
convenience 24 hours any day of the year! Or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) during normal business hours.
In Canada, call 1.800.361.3400.
Real Life Design Studio
In the U.S.: ge.com
GE supports the Universal Design concept—products, services and environments that can be used by people of
all ages, sizes and capabilities. We recognize the need to design for a wide range of physical and mental abilities
and impairments. For details of GE’s Universal Design applications, including kitchen design ideas for people with
disabilities, check out our Website today. For the hearing impaired, please call 800.TDD.GEAC (800.833.4322).
In Canada, contact: Manager, Consumer Relations, Camco, Inc.
Suite 310, 1 Factory Lane
Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3
Extended Warranties
In the U.S.: ge.com
Purchase a GE extended warranty and learn about special discounts that are available while your warranty is still
in effect. You can purchase it on-line anytime, or call 800.626.2224 during normal business hours. GE Consumer
Home Services will still be there after your warranty expires. In Canada, call 1.800.661.1616.
Parts and Accessories
In the U.S.: ge.com
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes
(VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted). Order on-line today, 24 hours every day or by phone at
800.626.2002 during normal business hours.
Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other servicing generally should be
referred to qualified service personnel. Caution must be exercised, since improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.
Customers in Canada should consult the yellow pages for the nearest Camco service center, or call 1.800.661.1616.
Contact Us
In the U.S.: ge.com
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE, contact us on our Website with all the details
including your phone number, or write to: General Manager, Customer Relations
GE Appliances, Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
In Canada: www.GEAppliances.ca, or write to: Director, Consumer Relations, Camco, Inc.
Suite 310, 1 Factory Lane
Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3
Register Your Appliance
In the U.S.: ge.com
Register your new appliance on-line–at your convenience! Timely product registration will allow for enhanced
communication and prompt service under the terms of your warranty, should the need arise. You may also mail
in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material. In Canada: www.GEAppliances.ca
Printed in China
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